Blog

Parents come to the library looking for many things.  You know you can count on us for getting the right book or movie into your child's hands, but did you know that you can also count on us to help you find the right technology for your family as well?

Figuring out how to make technology work for your family can be tricky. With so many items to choose from, it can be exhausting trying to figure out which device or apps are best for your children.  Additionally, with all of the technology aimed at your child, you may hesitate because of the large price tag that comes along with it.  The good news is that it doesn't have to cost an arm and a leg to get your child familiar with using technology. We are here to help.

eDevices

We have a large variety of devices for your family. For families with older kids, you can check out one of our Nook devices pre-loaded with popular titles that are ready to be read. We also have many of the most popular titles in eBook format as well. If your family already owns a device, you can download the MyMediaMall app, Overdrive, and download up to 5 books at a time. You can learn more about downloading eMaterials on our Kids' eBooks and More page.

Have younger children just starting to read? We have both the VTech InnoTab and LeapFrog LeapPad tablets available for checkout as well as all of the available games for both systems. If you are considering purchasing one of the tablets but aren't sure which one to choose, why not check them both out and allow your child to guide your purchase and get them the one they like best?  If you already own one of the InnoTab or LeapPad tablets, why waste money purchasing a game your child will only play with for a few weeks?  Come in and check one out, then check out another when your child's ability grows beyond the one you have. 

For even younger children, we also have the newest member of our Youth Services eDevice family, our early literacy Nexus tablets.  These tablets come filled with pre-loaded picture books and early readers that you can read with your child.  They also have over 25 apps pre-downloaded that help children practice important early learning skills such as sorting and letter sounds. You can place one on hold or see if any are currently on the shelf here.  We hope that you take the time to look through what we have pre-loaded on these devices.  Let your child show you which applications they really like to play before purchasing these for your phone or own tablet device.  At $1 to $3 each it might not seem like a large investment, but having to download a lot of games adds up, especially if there is a good chance your child will only play it once before moving on.

eOverload

Feeling overwhelmed and want a way to talk to your children about living with technology but not letting it rule your lives?  Check out the picture book Dot, written by Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg's sister, Randi Zuckerberg.  The story follows a girl who gets a little too attached to her digital devices before learning to make room for the real world.  You can also check out the book Unplugged: Ella gets her family back by Laura Pedersen, which tells the story of a young girl who saves 'family time' after she can't get the attention of the rest of her family because they are too into their devices. 

As a parent, you decide how much 'screen time' is ok for you and your family.  Even though these forms of technology are awesome and can be beneficial in so many ways, they still are a form of 'screen time' and should be treated as such. If you have any questions, we look forward to seeing you in here and talking to you about all of the fun things we have available for you to try out.